Hello

Hi' Julie, My only experience is I had Lung "C" in 04. I went for surgery first. This was after a 80mm "C" in my bowel in 03. I visited the Oncologist to discus post op' Chemo' but fortunately for me because of my general fitness and good health he didn't think I needed it. It did return in my lung as I've said but I feel quite normal now and happy with myself. I have 6 monthly scans and my last one was two month ago, no news is good news You will be looked after as you progress. I'm pleased I didn't go for the Chemo' because of the after effects I've heard about. It is your choice but honestly I am H A P P Y.

Hi Jagman

Thanks for taking the time to respond to my post. Did you have surgery on your lung in addition to the surgery on your bowel in 03?  

Also, so good to know that you are HAPPY.

Julie

Yes Julie I had surgery on my lung. But Was only in hospital three days. I'm still a little sore in the wound area but nothing to shout about. 

Think about it only in three days hope you get the same

That's good to know. I hope I'm the same. I had a bit of a wobble yesterday when I went to see the surgeon and he said he would attempt keyhole but it could be open surgery. They are going to remove the lower right lobe. However I am otherwise fit and healthy.

 Hello Julie, and a belated welcome to the lung forum. I'm Derek, one of the community champions on here, I'm sorry for not responding sooner due to being away at the moment.

My lung cancer diagnosis was in 2014, stage 2A non-small cell adenocarcinoma (the most "common" subtype) in my right lung. You've probably been told that surgery offers the best chance for a cure, and indeed it has worked well for me so far, approaching 12 years now. I had surgery to remove my entire right lung followed by adjuvant chemotherapy. Immunotherapy was not in use at the time.

I had open surgery and my surgeon also told me that he would try keyhole first but this was not possible.

Chemo / immunotherapy can be administered before surgery (neo-adjuvant) to shrink the cancer cells first for maximum effect or after (adjuvant) to reduce the risk of recurrence depending on individual circumstances.

Your cancer sub type is faily uncommon so there will be less clinical data for it which is probably why you've been met with what appear to be vague responses to your questions.

I'm very sorry you're now finding it difficult to decide how to proceed and do hope you can come to a decision that's best for you. Whichever the outcome, I'm sure your consultant will be suggesting the best possible package to cure your cancer once and for all.

Best wishes,

Derek.

Hi Derek 

Thank you for responding to my post. It’s good to know that surgery worked. I would be distraught if I went for neoadjuvant only to find out that the tumour has grown and spread. If I ask for surgery first, I will never know what would have happended if I made the alternate choice. I sent my lung cancer nurse a number if questions which have been put to the surgeon, oncologist and respiratory consultants. The nurse will get back to me tomorrow with their response.

Hoping for some clarity.

Julie

Julie,

I'm keeping my fingers firmly crossed for you to receive some clarity via your lung cancer nurse so you can proceed in the right way for you. Let us know what happens.

All the best,

Derek.

Hi Julie,

I, too, have Mucinous sub-type. Stage 1 in both lungs.  I’ve had RT for left one and now waiting for surgery on my right one.

i was left with a lot of unanswered questions after my consultation with the surgeon and as if a step had somehow been left out of the process.

i emailed my MacMillan nurse about this and we had a long chat the next day, talking through the MDT meeting notes about how they made their decisions and came to their conclusions.  This was so helpful.  She said she liked patients asking questions, so that was good!  I know some people prefer not to know all the details , but I need to have all available info.

I found the consultation with my surgeon the least helpful, compared to my oncologist and respiratory consultants who both gave me plenty of time to ask questions, seek clarifications.

He’s apparently very good, which is the main thing, but appears to be like a lot of surgeons who interact better when the patient is under G.A.!

I hope you have been able to get the answers and info you need

I had lobectomy of the left upper lobe a few weeks ago. The surgeon said the same thing to me about keyhole if possible which in the end it was. 

Best wishes 

Good to know that it may still be possible. Hope you are recovering well from the operation.